Chrysler Repair: 94 Concorde: no start, no codes, camshaft position sensor, cam shaft position sensor

Question
The fuel is not the cause of the no start. The code is clearly 12,54,55. The 12 just means that sometime in the past the battery supply to the controller was disconnected. The 55 is of course pro forma. The code 54 is why your engine won't start. You need to replace the cam shaft position sensor as it is not putting out a signal to the controller so there is no spark. Buy a new sensor, make sure that it has a paper spacer on the operating tip as that is pressed against surface of the cam sprocket and then when it rubs away the sensor is properly set. You will find it located at the front edge of the engine in the timing cover. It has three wires: orange, black/light blue, tan/yellow. Press the tip against the metal surface inside the engine, then tighten the retaining bolt to 9 foot-pounds. That should get you back and running.

Roland,
I replaced the Camshaft position sensor and the car still did not start. After replacing it the code was gone but I would guess that was because the - battery terminal was disconnected. I also changed the fuel filter and still no luck.
Could it be the car needs a tune up? I pulled one of the plugs but am not sure the best way to tell if it is providing a spark to the engine. The engine cranks but does not start.
Not sure what to do next any ideas would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Anthony,
I guess the cam sensor was necessary but not the only problem, as you no longer get the 54. But keep checking for fault codes as we sort this out.
Do you hear the fuel pump run for about 1 second when you first turn the ignition switch to the run position? If so then you should have fuel pressure.
On the spark, you will need a helper to crank over the engine. Take a cap off one of the spark plugs, and insert the tip of a screw driver with plastic handle into it until it hits the bottom where it should come in contact with the wire connector. Then hold the cap/screwdriver assembly only by the insulated handle so as to not get a shock, and move the shaft of the screwdriver such that it is 1/4" from the cylinder head. Ask the helper to crank the engine and observe for a spark to jump between the shaft and the cylinder hear during a 5 second crank. That will tell you if you have spark.
If you do, and you have fuel pump as described above, then it may be a mixture issue in that the egr (exhaust gas recirculation) valve may be stuck ajar which cause a too lean mixure. You will find the valve along a pipe that runs from the right side exhaust manifold back to the area under the throttle body. You will find the body of valve is attached to that pipe and it further has a round vacuum actuated top and in between the top and the body a flange that connects the two parts together. Look inside the flange to find a rod with a circumferential slot. That is the valve stem. Use the tip of a screwdriver to move the valve stem inserted in the slot back and forth, in one direction you will feel spring action that is designed to close the valve. Check that the valve is closing to a full stop and not hanging up. If it seems to be sticky in its action then spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the valve body and then move the stem some more to loosen up the action. Now try to start it.
Those are the several things I would do next, and then check the codes as well.
Roland
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